The Connacht rugby team is gearing up for an exciting clash against the Bulls, and the return of three British and Irish Lions players has fans buzzing! But will it be enough to secure a win?
Connacht is leaving nothing to chance as they welcome back their Lions trio for the BKT URC match against the Bulls. The highly anticipated game, taking place at Dexcom Stadium on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, at 7:45 pm, will see Ireland's finest take to the field. Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, and Mack Hansen will start, aiming to turn the tide after Connacht's recent defeat to Cardiff.
Aki and Bealham are set to dominate in their familiar positions of inside centre and tighthead prop, respectively, while Hansen showcases his versatility by taking on the full-back role. The team's captain, Cian Prendergast, switches to openside flanker, with Josh Murphy and Sean Jansen completing the flanker trio. Darragh Murray and David O'Connor form a formidable second-row partnership, and the forward pack is finalized with prop Peter Dooley and hooker Dave Heffernan.
In the backs, scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane make their return, joined by Byron Ralston at inside centre alongside Aki. Wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins add further depth to the side. The bench boasts a 5:3 split, with Connacht natives Matthew Devine, Cathal Forde, and Sean Naughton providing cover for the backline.
The Bulls, having defeated Ospreys and Leinster in their first two games, suffered a setback in round three against Ulster. Head coach Johan Ackermann has responded with 11 changes to the starting lineup, including appointing Reinhardt Ludwig as captain. This strategic move highlights the team's determination to bounce back.
Stuart Lancaster, Connacht's head coach, acknowledges the challenge ahead: "The Bulls are a force to be reckoned with, boasting a powerful front line and lightning-fast backs." He continues, "As URC finalists last year, they'll be eager to prove themselves after the Ulster loss. With our passionate fans, the return of the Lions, and an improved performance, we're in for a thrilling contest."
Unfortunately, injuries have ruled out Denis Buckley, Paul Boyle, and Shamus Hurley-Langton, who will undergo further assessments next week. Long-term absentees Temi Lasisi, Oisín Dowling, and Niall Murray remain on the sidelines. Despite these setbacks, Connacht is confident in their lineup.
Controversy arises when considering the impact of the Lions' return. Will their presence be enough to secure a victory against a formidable Bulls side? And what about the Bulls' strategic changes? Will Ackermann's adjustments pay off? Only time will tell as these two rugby powerhouses clash in what promises to be an unforgettable match.
What do you think? Are the Lions' return a game-changer, or will the Bulls' new tactics prevail? Share your predictions in the comments below!
